On politics in the Golden State

University leaders assail Democratic budget

June 15, 2011 | 8:30
pm

The leaders of California's public universities sharply criticized the $300-million spending cut approved by state lawmakers Wednesday and predicted that it would result in increased tuition and reduced access for students.

"We cannot let this plan stand," said University of California President Mark Yudof and Board of Regents Chairman Russell Gould in a joint statement.

If it does, they predicted a "double-digit tuition increase on top of the 8 percent hike already approved for next year" for UC students.

California State University Chancellor Charles Reed also said in a statement that his universities "would have no choice but to increase revenue by raising student tuition and limiting enrollment."